Outback News and Standings

ANNOUNCEMENTS: News from the Outback! Diamond Quest is a just-finished memory! Last night, 14 of the best brawlers the Outback has to offer clashed in the quarterly epic battle to find the new Diamond - and holder of IceDancer (retired a few days before by Eregor)! At the end, Jaycy ran through the field and emerged undefeated, joining the likes of Matt Simon (10), Kheldar (6), Jake Thrash (5) and Harris (5) as a 5+-time Diamond! Karma came from the consolation bracket and pushed through to snag IceDancer! Congrats, both of you! Anubis met Eden for FireStar in the rings and she notched her first defense, winning in 3 matches! In non-Opal or tournament news, let’s talk Badass… the Badass Board, that is. Mallory won!! Congratulations, Mallory, you are truly badass! Will the new Diamond continue the tradition once more? She did last year … keep your eyes on the boards for news! Catering News: Hungry? The Sassy Owl Saloon has you COVERED this month! From cool apps to hot eats, they’ve brought a lot to the table! and their delicious bar food is on offer this month in the Outback! Additionally, the Skybar is having a half-price special this week on all Diamond Drinks!

New Challenges! There are enough challenges everywhere else, it’s quiet here.

Other Venue News! Over in the Arena, it’s getting hot and heavy! Mart (Old Temple) is the only titleholder not under grace or challenge! Matt defended Battlefield Park against Haru in two matches in a best of three, including a perfect shutout! Sal took three matches (two sudden death) to finish but he stays Seaside’s Baron for now (see below)! A third best of three - Lilith vs Yuzuki for Cadentia, also ended up in the Baroness’s favor after only two matches! Olaf at Dockside faces off against Rhi TONIGHT January 17th at 9pm ((ET))! Maggie’s been challenged by Eden for Dragon’s Gate; that challenge hasn’t been accepted just yet. Ettyn’s used her Yule Grant to aim for Caleb in Old Market! Things are going down there on Wednesday January 20th at 8pm ((ET))! Finally, no rest for the wicked as Sal (Seaside) faces a challenge AGAIN, this time from Talon and Overlord Squire Anya! This match hasn’t been accepted yet. WHEW. Why all the challenges? Well, beyond the grants awarded at Duel for the Yule, Andrea wants to see all new barons! She’s offering weapons for anyone who unseats a Baron that gained it last year or earlier - and people like Max and Maggie herself are adding to the pile! And don’t forget that original bounties still stand too!

Over on the Isle, Bailey’s been dethroned and a new Archmage (and Triple Crown winner) has arisen in the form of Mallory! It took her three duels but she captured that last elusive title; congrats Mallory! To celebrate, she’s created both some Archmage Rules and a Board of Merit (where you can earn points for being fancy and compete for a customized enchanted item)! Morgan Chae held off challenger Anya to remain Earth’s Keeper! It also took him three duels (with him suffering a shutout loss in the middle duel) but he’s grounded her! Eregor wasn’t so lucky; his historic reign is at an end! He invited a queue and first up - and only up - was Maggie. She became the newest Keeper of Water after three hard-fought duels!

Other Sports News - MADNESS IS COMING.

Outside the Rings and About Town! There’s a fancy literature costume party at Books and Brews TONIGHT! Find out the details at the bookshop! Also, has anyone noticed anything strange going on with some of the technology around Rhydin? Contact the Governor’s Office or your local Watch if you see anything!

DEBUTS: Welcome Tuimira!

ADVANCEMENTS: Morgan LaFey advances to Sapphire! Mart Di'luna advances to Emerald!

FISTMELDA'S TUSK: The holder of the Fistmelda's Tusk for this cycle is Mallory Maeda! ((Fistmelda's Tusk grants the holder several perks, some of which are rank dependant and and include an extra modifier for lower ranks. Please see this thread for more details.)).